Anise Hyssop — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Agastache foeniculum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct sow or transplant in well-drained, average to poor, slightly alkaline to neutral soil in full sun; anise hyssop is a native prairie perennial with strongly anise-scented leaves and stems that produces upright spikes of densely packed lavender-blue flowers from midsummer through fall — arguably the single most attractive plant for native bumblebees in the temperate garden, hosting extraordinary numbers of pollinators at peak bloom. The leaves make an excellent herbal tea with a pleasant, sweet anise flavor and can be used fresh in salads and fruit dishes. Plants are short-lived perennials or biennials that self-sow reliably to maintain a colony. Deadhead half the spent spikes to extend bloom; leave the rest for self-seeding and winter finch food. Very drought-tolerant. 'Blue Fortune' (robust, long-blooming hybrid) is the most widely grown cultivar.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · agastache-foeniculum
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0